Keeping children and young people safe against radicalisation and extremism

The parent/child relationship is the foundation to keeping children safe and supporting their social development and educational attainment. Parenting can be a challenging task. Maintaining a positive relationship can sometimes be difficult as children grow and develop and seek an identity that may be different from their own family.

Children and young people have a natural curiosity which as parents we want to encourage. However, as our children grow up we have to take different steps to ensure their safety. Recently a number of young girls and boys have been persuaded to leave the country against the wishes of their families, or in secret, putting themselves in extreme danger.

Why might a young person be drawn towards extremist ideologies?

They may be searching for answers to questions about identity, faith and belonging

they may be driven by the desire for ‘adventure’ and excitement

they may be driven by a need to raise their self-esteem and promote their ‘street cred’

they may be drawn to a group or individual who can offer identity, a social network and support

they may be influenced by world events and a sense of grievance resulting in a need to make a difference.

How might this happen?

Online

The internet provides entertainment, connectivity and interaction. Children may need to spend a lot of time on the internet while studying, and they may also use other social media and messaging sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Vine or Whatsapp.

These can be useful tools but we need to be aware that there are powerful programmes and networks that use these media channels to reach out to young people and can communicate extremist messages.

Peer interaction

Young people at risk may display extrovert behaviour, start getting into trouble at school or on the streets and mixing with other children who behave badly, but this is not always the case.

Sometimes those at risk may be encouraged by the people they are in contact with not to draw attention to themselves. As part of some forms of radicalisation, parents may feel their child’s behaviour seems to be improving. Children may become quieter and more serious about their studies, and may also dress more modestly and mix with a group of people that seems to be better behaved than previous friends.

TV and media

The media provides a view on world affairs. However, this is often a very simple version of events which are in reality very complex. Therefore children may not understand the situation fully or appreciate the dangers involved in the views of some groups.

Recognising extremism

Out of character changes in dress, behaviour and peer relationships

secretive behaviour

losing interest in friends and activities

showing sympathy for extremist causes

glorifying violence

possessing illegal or extremist literature

advocating messages similar to illegal organisations such as “Muslims Against Crusades” or other non-proscribed extremist groups such as the English Defence League.

How can parents support children and young people to stay safe?

Know where your child is, who they are with and check this for yourself

know your child’s friends and their families

keep lines of communication open, listen to your child and talk to them about their interests

encourage them to take up positive activities with local groups that you can trust

talk to your child about what they see on the TV or the internet and explain that what they see or read may not be the whole picture

allow and encourage debate and questioning on local and world events and help them see different points of view

encourage your child to show an interest in the local community and show respect for people from all faiths and backgrounds

help your child to understand the dangers of becoming involved in situations about which they may not have the full information

teach them that expressing strong views and trying to change things for the better is fine but they should not take violent action against others or support those that do

be aware of your child’s online activity and update your own knowledge

know what social media and messaging sites your child uses

Remind your child that people they contact over the internet may be pretending to be someone else or telling them things that are not true.

explain that anyone who tells them to keep secrets from their family or teachers is likely to be trying to do them harm or put them in danger.

If you have any concerns that your child may be being influenced by others get help – talk to someone you can trust, this could be your imam, extended family members such as cousins who may be peers of your children or outside help. If you feel there is a risk of a child leaving the country, consider what precautions you could take to prevent travel.

You might want to consider taking the precaution of locking their passport in a safe place. Some young people think they need to use a passport for confirming their age - they do not – they can apply for an identification card. To obtain an official photo ID for the UK visit www.validateuk.co.uk or for more information call 01434 634996.

You should also consider what access your child has to savings accounts or gifts of money from family and friends. You may wish to suggest that gifts are made in kind and not in cash.